The first man to sail solo around the world in both directions is to host a talk in Gateshead to raise money for a youth development charity.

David Scott Cowper will share stories of his adventures in a fundraising event in aid of Tyneside-based charity Ocean Youth Trust North.

70-year-old David has successfully circumnavigated the world seven times and is regarded as the greatest living single handed navigator by many in the yachting world.

In 1990, he became the first man to sail solo around the world via the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The journey took him four years and two months.

He will deliver an illustrated talk at HMS Calliope, on South Shore Road at 7pm on April 18.

"David Scott Cowper's story is an inspirational example as to what can be achieved when you dedicate yourself to a goal and work tirelessly to make it happen.

"We are extremely grateful that David is supporting our work teaching life skills to young people through adventure under sail and we'd urge anyone with a spirit of adventure to come and hear him speak."

Sailors from across the country are gathering in the North East to compete. It is the first time in more than a decade that the region will host the Phantom National Championships. Fifty dinghies will be taking to the North Sea over the next three days.

The races are being held from Sunderland Yacht Club, which is home to Paralympian John Robertson. His team's final race in the Sonar Class at the Paralympics was cancelled because of a lack of wind off the south coast but strong winds have been causing problems for competitors on Wearside.

"It’s tough; it’s a Paralympic Games so it’s not going to be easy. We always try our best but it is hard work and we will keep working hard.

“With the race course being very close to the shore it was a bit shiftier than normal. We had cracking boat speed all round but in the second race we just lost our way a little bit and couldn’t get to where we wanted to be. Then we just slipped and missed out on the lucky breaks with wind shifts, which a few people had.

"But the spirits are high within the team and we back each other 100 per cent.”